Texture

Abstract

Computer-generated images can achieve a high degree of realism with hidden-surface removal and shading. However, in many cases they tend to look artificial because surfaces appear very smooth. Images of metallic or plastic cups, for example, look very realistic, but images of oranges or human skin do not. Almost all physical surfaces, in fact, have a detailed structure visible to the human eye. This detailed structure, called texture, provides a great deal of information about the nature of the surface.